Harbeth M40.1 Speakers (Monitor 40.1) - Video Demonstration

[@AudioNostalgia]

For an in-depth review, please visit my website: audionostalgia.co.uk/harbeth-m40-1-review/ The purpose of this video is to demonstrate the look and feel of Harbeth Monitor 40.1 speakers and not their sound.

[@freepress8451]

Just looking at spec Description: Three-way, reflex-loaded stand-mounted loudspeaker. Drive-units: 1" fabric-dome tweeter, 8" plastic-cone midrange unit, 12" polypropylene-cone woofer. Impedance: 6 ohms nominal. Sensitivity: 85dB/W/m. Frequency response: 38Hz-20kHz, ±3dB. Suggested amplification: >50W. Dimensions: 29.5" (750mm) H by 17.25" (432mm) W by 15.75" (400mm) D. Weight: 75 lbs (34kg).

[@rayl7225]

One of the most ear-pleasing speakers available at any pricepoint.

[@xsamitt]

agreed

[@67Pepper]

I've owned the original M40 for about 15 years now, still have them for a reason, also owned the M30 for a couple of years too. The big Harbeth's are a great speaker.

[@AudioNostalgia]

Yes, I'd agree with that. Although I no longer own these, I wouldn't hesitate to get another pair.

[@2ChannelAudio]

One of my fav speaker and one in my wishlist 😊

[@2ChannelAudio]

Something in my wishlist. Beautiful speakers!

[@AudioNostalgia]

Thank you. They are indeed very special loudspeakers.

[@arkadiusz000]

THANK YOU. Another great video and please do more like this.

[@xsamitt]

Truly natural sound .....Love it!

[@2ChannelAudio]

One of my fav speaker 🔊

[@Kallemero74]

Very nice sound, love that midrange, the bass, and the overall presentation. I’ve fallen in love with those big Harbeths. Would you mind telling the size of your room and what speaker cables you’re using? Thank you for sharing those vids 👍

[@AudioNostalgia]

I'm surprised you can identify these qualities through KZbin , but thank you anyway :). The room is quite small - approx. 6x4m, slightly narrower at the other end, which brings down the area to about 22m2. Speaker cables are QED Genesis Silver Spiral. You can find more info about the gear on the homepage of my website, just below the introduction: audionostalgia.co.uk. All the best, Shem

[@photomusicman9413]

Great video, thank you.

[@FrontSideBus]

Very nice, I bet they sound lovely, they certainly look it (Apart from those Philips screws)!

[@AudioNostalgia]

Haha, yup, I know what you mean about the screws. However, there is a good reason for them to be there and the look kind of grown on me.

[@tombloom7789]

is theese still your favourite speakers or have you found another?

[@AudioNostalgia]

I no longer have these, but I'd say yes - the best all-rounders that I have experienced so far.

[@dannyd6826]

Hi, It would be nice to find out of these can be a serious oponent for Yamaha NS-1000 -home version at 39 kilos :-)

[@AudioNostalgia]

Hey! Very different sounding speakers. I personally replaced my Yamaha NS-1000M with Harbeth M30.1 because I like their sound more. I then replaced M30.1 with M40.1 as I liked their sound even more. So although I've not compared the NS1000 with M40.1 side by side, I'm pretty sure I'd be leaning towards the M40.1 in my room. You can read my reviews of all 3 speakers here if you are interested: audionostalgia.co.uk/yamaha-ns-1000-m-review/ audionostalgia.co.uk/harbeth-m30-1-review/ audionostalgia.co.uk/harbeth-m40-1-review/ All the best, Shem

[@hawaiiguykailua6928]

I'd love to do an A/B in my home but I'd have a hard time changing away from my Focal 826 W anniversary speakers Focal put out for there 30th anniversary. The value they put into that anniversary line (I also have the 807 W bookshelves and matching CC) is by far the best value any audio company has put out in the last 20 years. Not sure the price of these Harbeth's but my complete system is more than likely less. FYI I use Mac mini out to SMSL M300 dac to Unison Research Unico with ghent cables and I am in audio nirvana. Though I am on the lookout for the anniversary Subwoofer which is total eye candy in the gorgeous piano gloss Carmin Red.

[@lawrenceh7182]

What a great set up, I have had my sights set on these for a good few years now, there’s a pair going for £1,800 and I’m extremely tempted, particularly after reading your review and others over the years. Do you feel these pair better with SS or tubes? Also great content mate and a beautiful website too, very impressed, keep up the good work 👍🏻👌🏻

[@AudioNostalgia]

Hey Lawrence. thank you for you kind words. I am really pleased to hear that you found the website useful. I've not tried the M40.1s with tubes yet, so I cannot really comment. However, based on my understanding of the design process and Mr Shaw's intentions, these should be used with a decent quality SS amp. That is not to say that you could not power them with a valve amp and really enjoy the sound! I have seen the £1,800 ad that you are referring to. Please be very careful with it. I learnt the hard way that if something seems too good to be truth, it usually is. A second hand M40.1s in good condition normally sell for £5,000+ in the UK and probably even more in Europe. Thus, if someone sells them for £1,800, you either have a bargain of the century or you've come across a scam. Here are couple of points that I'd like to share based on my experience: 1) Don't assume that only nice people are into HiFi and that you are unlikely to come across ill-intentioned people in a such a niche hobby. 2) Try to approach each purchase with a 'cold mind', regardless of how long you've been waiting for that particular item to show up. Excitement usually clouds your judgment and makes you ignore your spidey senses. 3) If it seems too good to be truth, it usually is. 4) Never agree to send any deposits prior to seeing the actual item, regardless how many other people may be interested in the same item. 5) Always collect in person and test the speakers before you pay (i.e. make sure that all drivers are working, that voice coils of the woofers are not rubbing when you press the diaphragms with your fingers, etc.). Apologies for the lecture - you probably know all of these already. If you do, just treat it as a reminder :). All the best, Shem

[@lawrenceh7182]

Hi Shem, Thank you for all of the advice, I will certainly take it all on board, very much appreciate you taking the time to reply in such depth. I have only ever run SS so far and I know the warm sound of a tube may add too much colour to the Harbeths as they have been tuned in the crossovers and driver spec to be smooth and laid back but it is a set up I am keen to pursue, but one thing at a time I guess. I will probably stick with my current amps for now, as I’m sure the 40.1 will sound more than good enough, just suffering from upgraditus atm! I did think the price seemed very low if I’m honest, but normally I try to get a gauge of a person on the phone before making any journey to audition gear. However, on this occasion I suspect you are right as it is at least half the price of what they should be. I agree concerning the patience though as if you have your heart set on something, often you view or listen through Rose tints as you are just desperate to get them home. It’s happened more than once over the last few years! I hope within the next few months to get myself a pair nonetheless, although I may just start with the more budget friendly 30s to remove the itch as they are easier to come by from reputable sellers.

[@AudioNostalgia]

Lawrence H The M30.1 are really great speakers and you can pick up a pair for less then £2k. If you get your hands on a set, do let me know how you find their sound please.

[@sheelmirji5494]

Price in US Dollars?

[@sheelmirji5494]

Is it available in India ?

[@AudioNostalgia]

@@sheelmirji5494 I don't know mate, I'm not a dealer. I'm sure a quick Google search will answer you question.

[@sheelmirji5494]

thanks !

[@frigobarebone]

@@AudioNostalgia Very beautiful speakers, i have one pairs for me definitive choiche!

[@paulpavlou9294]

They sound pretty good through my old JBL L100 Century's. But seriously a lovely speaker and one of very few new speakers I would consider if I could afford to buy a new pair.

[@AudioNostalgia]

I really like the L100 too! Thanks, and yes, the M40.1s are indeed lovely speakers, although overpriced when you look at the prices of new models IMHO.

[@fredfungalspore]

What's the difference between the 40.1 40.2 40.3 in sound not price not Crossovers are the driver's the same

[@AudioNostalgia]

Not sure, never compared them side by side.

[@adamwrzalik1356]

Czy wymagają mocnego wzmacniacza.

[@AudioElectronicsChicago]

😍😍😍

[@opiestanborough4774]

holy, i was thinking about a blood letting bout 18 seconds in.....

[@AudioNostalgia]

Good. I like songs that trigger an emotional response ;).

[@TheOhamd]

Where is the HiFi Gear?

[@AudioNostalgia]

I have redesigned the vinyl cabinet on the right side to accommodate the HiFi gear. It makes the room more a little more spacious.

[@longhainguyen5767]

May I ask hơ much tjis speaker. Thank.!

[@AudioNostalgia]

This particular model (M40.1) is not longer in production, so it is hard to tell and will depend on what country you live in. In Europe, you are looking at paying between 5000 to 6500 GBP for a second hand set of these.

[@dugdugi2296]

😳😍👍WoW

[@connorduke4619]

Looks like you can buy it and self-assemble from Ikea...;) Great mids though.

[@AudioNostalgia]

Haha, indeed. And they would be significantly cheaper if Ikea released these ;)

[@matthiasschnapka6498]

Cool awesome speaker, BUT THE CHOOSEN MUSIC IS HORRIBLE, sorry to say

[@AudioNostalgia]

Haha, interesting - I really like this track from The Mother of Gypsy Soul ;).

[@hemantsharma4351]

Bass sounds very sloppy

[@bigalt2078]

painful music, yuck!

[@linandy1]

Play some Slayer

[@hifinphoto]

stupid music...

[@ArnaudSiemons]

Stupid comment. Of no value at all. Go take your pills...

[@Thereznap]

@@ArnaudSiemons 😆😆😆😆😆.